Optimising agronomy of irrigated crops to enhance profit per megalitre of water
Tender Overview
About this tender
Overview The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is seeking a suitably qualified provider to deliver a national investment analysis to inform future RD&E investment decisions in irrigated crop agronomy and irrigation decision support. Objectives By 2027, GRDC can make clear, evidence-based decisions about where to invest next to improve profit per megalitre of irrigation water and support more practical irrigation decision-making for growers. Scope The scope includes: Synthesising evidence from previous GRDC irrigated agriculture investments Assessing priority opportunities to improve profitability from irrigated cropping systems, with a focus on maximising profit per megalitre of irrigation water rather than yield or water-use efficiency alone Considering agronomic and economic drivers influencing irrigated crop decisions, including water availability, water price, input costs, seasonal conditions, crop potential, crop end use, rotations, and whole-farm water allocation Assessing how irrigation delivery systems and practices, including surface or furrow and pressurised sprinkler systems, interact with soil physical constraints and crop management factors to influence crop performance, input efficiency and profit per megalitre Considering how irrigated grain crops within GRDC's remit compete with, complement or interact with other irrigated enterprises, including rice, cotton, forages and mixed farming systems, where relevant to whole-farm water allocation and opportunity costs Reviewing existing irrigation and crop decision-support tools and identifying whether they are meeting grower needs Assessing whether practical economic tools or decision frameworks are required to support more confident and timely irrigation research investment decisions across winter and summer cropping scenarios Producing a clear, evidence-based report identifying priority research gaps, high-leverage agronomic opportunities, and practical recommendations to guide future GRDC investment in irrigated agronomy at national and regional scales Contractor Requirements Suitably qualified to deliver a national investment analysis in irrigated crop agronomy and irrigation decision support Instructions to Tenderers Submit your Tender through the Grains Investment Portal by 5pm Canberra local time on 3 November 2026. Enquiries Make all requests for further information or clarification in relation to this procurement in writing (email) prior to 27 October 2026. Attention: Laura Baugh Organisation: Grains Research and Development Corporation Email: tenders@grdc.com.au
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